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Outdoor open spaces facilities and play areas across Burton and Uttoxeter have been closed in a bid to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Visitor centres, toilets, cafes, children's play areas, barbecue facilities and car parks at all of Staffordshire's country parks have now closed.

The open spaces and parks themselves will remain open for those living nearby but all the facilities around them will not be available.

It comes as the latest government guidance allows people outdoors for ‘one piece of exercise per day’, such as cycling, walking or running, but all unnecessary travel is banned.

This includes Hanbury Common which is cared for by the county council.

Gill Heath, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “In line with government guidance our country parks, green spaces and rights of way remain open to the public, but all facilities are closed.

“Under the current restrictions, we would urge people not to travel by car to our country parks or gather in groups, the reality is that at the moment they are only for the use of local residents.”

To restrict the spread of coronavirus, current government advice is that people should stay at home, apart from a handful of exceptions.

For taking exercise the current rules are:

People are allowed out once a day to exercise, for instance for a walk, cycle, or run;

Go out alone or with members of your household;

Keep at least two metres apart if you encounter other people.

In addition people may want to wear gloves when using gates and stiles to reduce the chance of infection and always wash hands for 20 seconds after returning home.

The Countryside Code still applies so people should always take their litter home and remember animals will be rearing their young so stay on paths and keep dogs on leads.

The Countryside Access and Rights of Way maps shows available routes in local areas and can be found here.

Councillor Heath said: “Please stay at home and follow government advice to take your exercise locally. We must all work together to reduce the burden on the NHS and save lives.”